Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z6 III
Nikon Z6 III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The D780 is the better pick for travel, portraits; the Z6 III is better for beginners, wildlife, sports, vlogging.
Choose the D780 for
- a lower price (from £639)
Choose the Z6 III for
- faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps)
- a lighter body (760g vs 840g)
- stronger video (6K 60p RAW)
- in-body image stabilisation
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 25)
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | D780 | Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24.5MP | Full frame, 24.5MP |
| Mount | Nikon F (DSLR) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2020 | 2024 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | OVF | ≈14 ms |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 64,000 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 6K 60p RAW |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Electronic |
| Weight | 840 g | 760 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £1,899 |
| Used at MPB | £639–969 | £1,489–1,539 |
| Native lenses in our database | 25 (14 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z6 III |
| Everyday & travel | D780 |
| Portraits | D780 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Z6 III |
| Sports & action | Z6 III |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Z6 III |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The D780 uses Nikon F (25 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Z6 III uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). They share the same battery (Nikon EN-EL15c).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon D780 better than the Nikon Z6 III?
It depends on your priorities. The D780 offers a lower price (from £639); the Z6 III offers faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps), a lighter body (760g vs 840g), stronger video (6K 60p RAW).
Which is better for video, the D780 or the Z6 III?
The Z6 III is stronger for video: D780 records 4K 30p, Z6 III records 6K 60p RAW.
Which is cheaper, the D780 or the Z6 III?
The D780 costs No longer sold new new and from £639 used at MPB; the Z6 III costs £1,899 new and from £1,489 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon D780 lenses on the Z6 III?
Not directly. The D780 uses Nikon F and the Z6 III uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.